Studying Family Financial Readiness through Service Member Transitions (FFiRST)

This study explores what life is like for active-duty military families raising school-aged children.

We're especially interested in how different parts of military life — like deployments, moves, finances, well-being, and family relationships —connect and influence one another over time.

This is the first study to focus specifically on active-duty couples raising school-aged children, and participating couples are helping us better understand how to advocate for policies and programs that support military families today.

Study Status

We’ve officially reached our enrollment goals!

Our team is now following up with participating couples 6-months after their first survey for Survey 2, with Survey 3 to follow another 6-months after that.

Stay tuned for updates on results, new publications, and how these families are helping shape initiatives that support military families! You can follow updates on Instagram @uga_ffirst_study.

Participant Contributions

Participating couples are helping us answer key questions about military family life, such as:

  • What challenges do active-duty families with school-aged children face, and what resources promote resilience?
  • How are financial, relational, and personal well-being connected over time for them?
  • In what ways do military life experiences shape family outcomes?

Findings from the FFiRST Study will help inform policies, programs, and supports that strengthen military family well-being and readiness.

In appreciation for their time and commitment, participating couples receive a virtual Visa gift card after both spouses complete each online survey, which takes between 45 and 75 minutes. Couples who complete all three surveys receive $225.

Participant Confidentiality

We take the privacy of our participating couples very seriously.

  • All responses are confidential and reported only in summary form (never identifying specific individuals).
  • Data are stored securely.
  • No effect on job performance is expected.
  • Couples may withdraw from the study at any time by contacting the study team.

Who We Are

The FFiRST Study is a collaboration between researchers at the University of Georgia and Auburn University, led by Dr. Catherine O’Neal and Dr. Mallory Lucier-Greer.

Our team of translational researchers is dedicated to conducting practical, evidence-based studies that improve outcomes for military families and guide the work of policymakers, educators, and helping professionals.

Our first large-scale study of military family life was conducted in 2013 and resulted in over 50 peer-reviewed papers and numerous presentations and outreach efforts. But military life continues to change, prompting the need for ongoing research. We’re excited to continue learning from today’s military families.

The FFiRST Study team is here to listen, learn, and amplify the voice of military families.

Recent Team Publications

About Family Finances

  • Peterson, C., O’Neal, C. W., & Lucier‑Greer, M. (2025). Service members’ couple finances: An examination of financial anxiety, financial decision‑making, and agreement on spending and relationship outcomes. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 46, 545–557. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-025-10043-x
  • *Peterson, C., O’Neal, C. W., Lucier-Greer, M., & *Okamoto, R. (2024). Finances and fights: How military members’ financial attitudes and behaviors are linked to romantic relationship processes and outcomes. Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning. Advance online publication. http://doi.org/10.1891/JFCP-2023-0146
  • O’Neal, C. W., Lucier-Greer, M., & *Okamoto, R. (2024). Family financial socialization and financial capabilities of the U.S. military service members: Do demographics matter? Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning. http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/JFCP-2023-0104 

About Programming

  • Lucier‑Greer, M., Vandenberg, C., O’Neal, C. W., & et al. (2025). Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a military cultural competence intervention for helping professionals. Contemporary Family Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591‑025‑09751‑1

About Mental Health

  • O'Neal, C. W., Lavner, J. A., Jensen, T. M., & Lucier-Greer, M. (2024). Mental health profiles among active duty military families. Family Process. Advance online publication.  https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.13003

About Relational Health

  • Frye-Cox, N., Lucier-Greer, M., O’Neal, C. W., & Richardson, E. (2024). Is unit cohesion a double-edged sword?: A moderated mediation model of combat exposure, work stressors, and marital satisfaction. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075241255391

Funding and Support

This work is a joint project supported by:

  • The University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences, Department of Human Development and Family Science (PI: Dr. Catherine O’Neal) and
  • The Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station (AgR-SEED grant; PI: Dr. Mallory Lucier-Greer, Auburn University).

Get to know our Participant Communication Team below!

Contact

FFiRST@uga.edu

Instagram: @uga_ffirst_study

The current FFiRST Study sample represents ALL branches of the U.S. Military!

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